MORRIS, Ill – For over 100 years, Illinois 4-H has been impacting youth as the state’s largest afterschool youth development program.  Now, poised for expansion, Illinois Extension is pleased to announce the advancement of Brooke Katcher to a new position serving Grundy, Kankakee, & Will Counties. 

“I am excited to announce that Brooke has accepted the offer to advance to the new role of 4-H Recruitment & Engagement Program Coordinator serving our Unit,” says Extension County Director Marilu Andon, “Brooke’s robust experience with the 4-H program and her amazing skill set which she has honed over her years of service will help 4-H adapt to the changing needs of youth and communities to help our children thrive.”

Katcher will provide leadership in building overall strategy and best practices to support perspective and new members of 4-H and building engagement practices to support current youth and volunteers.

Before this advancement, Katcher served the Grundy County 4-H community in a variety of positions, most recently as the part-time 4-H program coordinator in Grundy County, a position she’s held for 10 years.

“In a sense, I have never really left 4-H,” says Katcher who added that after graduating from the program as a 4-H alumna, she served the 4-H program in various positions since high school; “Seeing the joy of 4-H youth during fair and throughout the year is always a highlight and I am super excited to bring that same joy to youth and volunteers in all three counties.”

Katcher, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications from Purdue University, has marked skill in building engagement. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Katcher brought notable progress to Grundy County by growing the program to reach 1-in-4 youth.  Though the pandemic impacted growth, Grundy County rebounded quickly and the county frequently attracts new members and volunteers at a pace quicker than many other counties. 

“Brooke’s valuable experience and skills to this new part-time role will be instrumental as we move forward to build a strong and vibrant 4-H community that represents the neighborhoods we serve,” says Andon, “the position which was left vacant due to Brooke’s advancement will be turned into a full-time position and will be posted soon - we look forward to continuing to grow our 4-H team to better serve our growing program.”

Katcher will continue to be based in the Grundy County Office and can be reached at bbaker8@illinois.edu.